Why Your Baby Is Crying And How To Soothe Them

Photo credit- Babiescute.com

I'm crying because I'm tired and I need a rest

Babies often find it hard to get to sleep, particularly if they're over-tired. You'll probably become aware of your baby's sleep cues soon after birth. Whining and crying at the slightest thing, staring blankly into space, and being quiet and still are just three examples.

Lots of attention from doting visitors may over-stimulate your baby and make it hard for her to sleep. Try taking her to a quiet room before bed to help her calm down and switch off .

I'm crying because I'm too cold or too hot

You can check whether your baby is too hot or too cold by feeling her tummy. Don't be guided by the temperature of your baby's hands or feet. It's normal for them to feel cold.

Use sheets and cellular blankets as bedding in your baby's cot or Moses basket . If her tummy feels too hot, remove a blanket, and if it feels cold, simply add one.

Keep the temperature of your baby's room at about 18 degrees C. Place her down to sleep on her back with her feet at the foot of her bed. That way she can't wriggle down under the blankets and become too hot.

Take care not to overdress your baby, or she may become too hot . She'll generally need to wear one more layer of clothing than you to be comfortable.

I'm crying because I need my nappy changing

Your baby may protest if she has a wet or soiled nappy . Some babies don't seem to mind unless their skin feels irritated .

If your baby doesn't like having her nappy changed, it may be because of the strange feeling of cold air on her skin. After a week or so, you'll probably be a pro at quick nappy changes . Otherwise, distracting your baby with a song or a toy she can look at during changes may work well.

I'm crying because I don't feel well

If your baby's unwell, she'll probably cry in a different tone from the one you're used to. It may be weaker, more urgent, continuous, or high-pitched. If she usually cries a lot but has become unusually quiet, this may also be a sign that she's not well.

Teething may also cause your baby to be more upset than usual. Babies are often irritable and restless in the week before a new tooth comes through. Learn the other signs of teething to look out for.

However, nobody knows your baby as well as you do. If you feel that something's not right, call your GP , midwife or health visitor . Health professionals will always take your concerns seriously.

Call your doctor straight away if your baby is persistently crying and has a fever, is vomiting , or has diarrhoea or constipation .

If your baby has difficulty breathing through her crying call 111 for advice immediately or take her to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E).

My baby's still crying. How can I soothe her?

As you gradually get to know your baby's personality you'll learn which techniques work best for her. If a cuddle or a feed doesn't do the job, these suggestions may help:

Play a constant sound

In your womb (uterus), your baby could hear the beat of your heart. She probably enjoys being held close to you now because your heartbeat is so familiar.

Other noises mimic the sounds she'll have heard in your womb. The repetitive noise of a vacuum cleaner or hairdryer may lull your baby to sleep. Or you could supervise her on the floor next to the washing machine. The steady rhythm of the machine can have a calming effect.

You can also download white-noise sounds or a white-noise app to your phone, or buy a white-noise CD created for babies.

Rock-a-bye baby

Most babies love to be gently rocked. You could rock her:

• while walking around
• in a rocking chair
• in a baby swing

You could also try taking her for a ride in your car or for a walk in her pushchair .

Try a massage or a tummy rub

Using massage oils or cream , gently rub her back or tummy in a clockwise direction.

Doing this regularly may help your baby to cry and fuss less. However, the best time for massage is when your baby is settled and alert. If she is crying during the massage, then stop, because she's telling you she's had enough.

Watch our calming massage video for babies .

Try a different feeding position

Some babies cry during or after feeds. If you're breastfeeding , you may find that improving the way your baby latches on helps her to feed calmly, without crying. Ask your health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor to check your positioning.

If your breastfed or bottle-fed baby seems to have painful wind during feeds, she may prefer to feed in a more upright position .

Burp your baby after a feed by holding her against your shoulder and gently patting or rubbing her back. If your baby cries straight after a feed though, she may still be hungry.

Let her suck on something

For some babies, the need to suck is very strong. If you're breastfeeding, you could let your baby suckle your breast for comfort. Alternatively, let her suck on your clean finger or knuckle. Most babies will never need a dummy , but this is another option to try if you think it may help her.

Give her a warm bath

A warm bath may help your baby to calm down. Check the water temperature before placing her in the bath. It should be about 37 degrees C to 38 degrees C. If you don't have a thermometer, dip your elbow into the water. It should feel neither hot nor cold.

Bear in mind that a bath may also make her cry more. Not all babies enjoy the sensation of being in water. In time, you'll get to know your baby's likes and dislikes.

What should I do if nothing seems to help?

It is normal for babies to cry, so try not to blame yourself if your baby simply won't be soothed.

If your baby cries almost constantly she won't do herself lasting harm. But it's likely to put you and your partner under strain. If she's unhappy and resists every effort to calm her down, you may feel rejected and frustrated.

But you are not the cause of her crying. Sometimes, simply accepting that you have a baby who cries a lot can help. If you've met your baby's immediate needs and tried everything you can to calm her, it's time to take care of yourself:

• Put your baby in her cot and let her cry for a few minutes out of your range of hearing. Take deep breaths and let yourself relax for a moment or two.
• If you and your baby are both upset and you've tried everything, call a friend or relative for support. Give yourself a break and let someone else take over for a while.
• Find a local support group or parent-and-baby group. That way you can meet other new parents in the same situation and offer each other moral support.
• Talk to your health visitor or GP about coping strategies before everything gets too much. Don't let things build up, as it could make things harder for you and your baby.
• Call a helpline. Cry-sis offers support seven days a week for parents of babies who have sleep problems or who cry excessively. Contact Cry-sis on 08451 228 669.

This crying is probably just a phase. It is very common and it will pass. As your baby grows, she'll learn new ways of communicating her needs to you. And when this happens, the excessive crying will soon stop.